Zidoval (Metronidazole) BV Gel

Zidoval gel is an antibacterial medicine for bacterial vaginosis (BV) that kills the bacteria responsible for causing the infection. The gel, which contains metronidazole, is applied directly inside the vagina to kill the bacteria and treat the condition. This medicine is prescription only, and cannot be bought over the counter. Patients are advised to take the full course in order to clear the infection completely – otherwise it may recur.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

BV – also called gardnerella – is a very common bacterial infection and can be caused by anything that changes the balance of bacteria in the vagina, such as having sex or frequent douching (it is not classed as an STI). Rarely is BV a matter of poor hygiene – it can happen for seemingly no reason at all. Bacterial infection symptoms primarily include abnormal vaginal discharge, itching or an unusual smell.

With the correct BV treatment, the infection can be resolved in a matter of days. Recurrence is common, therefore completing the full course of bacterial vaginosis treatment is advised. 60% of women who have had BV will experience it again within 12 months.

BV most commonly affects women between the ages of 19-60. It’s often confused with thrush, which is similar, except thrush doesn’t usually smell and the discharge is likely to be thick and white, instead of thin and watery. Left untreated, BV can increase your risk of getting STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, or going into early labour (if you’re pregnant).

The most commonly prescribed BV treatments are a week-long course of oral antibiotics or a course of antibiotic gel or cream – such as Zidoval gel – applied inside the vagina. At present, there are no over the counter medicines or home remedies for BV that are clinically proven to be effective.

How does Zidoval BV gel work?

Zidoval contains the active ingredient metronidazole – which is an antibiotic medicine used to treat a range of infections – not just BV. Metronidazole kills bacteria by interfering with its DNA. It’s used to kill a particular strain of bacteria known as ‘anaerobic bacteria’, which doesn’t need oxygen to multiply. It is this type of bacteria that’s responsible for causing BV. Metronidazole topical gel should be used for five consecutive days in order to cure your infection.

Metronidazole is only ever available via prescription and should not be taken or used with alcohol, as potentially serious interactions can occur. As well as killing bacteria, it can also treat parasitic infections. However, it doesn’t work for viral infections.

For best results, it’s a good idea to use metronidazole BV gel (Zidoval) at the same time every day. Stopping too early, before your BV treatment is finished, can lead to the infection coming back.

Metronidazole and alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking or using metronidazole gel can make you feel dizzy or sick. However, this is less likely to happen when using Zidoval vaginal gel compared to metronidazole tablets. It is still best to avoid alcohol whilst you are using the gel and for 24 hours after you finish your course.

You can read more about Metronidazole and alcohol here.

Using Zidoval gel while menstruating

Metronidazole BV gel should be used for the complete length of time prescribed by your doctor, even if you’re on your period. It’s best to avoid using tampons while you have an infection and stick to unscented sanitary pads instead.

Zidoval gel alternatives

Aside from using Zidoval gel, alternative prescription medication for bacterial vaginosis includes:

• Metronidazole tablets – an oral antibiotic
• Dalacin 2% vaginal cream - a topical antibiotic that can be used by people who are sensitive to metronidazole.
• Balance Activ vaginal gel – a gel that restores natural pH balance

What’s the difference between Zidoval gel, Metrogel, & Rozex?

It is also used as a topical treatment to treat the red skin and pimples associated with rosacea. As well as in Zidoval, metronidazole can be found in Metrogel & Rozex. Zidoval, Metrogel, & Rozex are very similar: are all antibiotic gels containingmetronidazole.Metrogel &Rozex are for external use on the skin and are usually prescribed forrosacea, whereasZidoval is an internal treatment aimed primarily at treating BV. They should not be used for different indications. Find out more about Rozex in our guide: What is Rozex?.

Zidoval Gel Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9525.pdf